Did you know?: Michigan Democrats embracing change

As we approach the spring season, there is something in the air. Can you feel it?

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By Lynn MasonIonia County Democratic Party chairperson

Ionia Sentinel - Standard-Ionia, MI

By Lynn MasonIonia County Democratic Party chairperson

Posted Mar. 12, 2013 at 1:53 PM
Updated Mar 12, 2013 at 1:56 PM

By Lynn MasonIonia County Democratic Party chairperson

Posted Mar. 12, 2013 at 1:53 PM
Updated Mar 12, 2013 at 1:56 PM

IONIA COUNTY, Mich.

As we approach the spring season, there is something in the air. Can you feel it?

It is not just moisture or allergens. It is "change." More daylight, warmer temperatures, and lots of mud are just some examples.

Whether you are someone who loves winter or someone who simply tolerates it, there is not much you can do. A new season will arrive.

Now, when it comes to other changes in our lives we might have more control.

We can decide to ignore, tolerate, accept or embrace these changes. We can get up and do something about the changes.

Did you know that the Michigan Democratic Party has recently experienced some major changes? One example is that we have a new Chairman. Mr. Mark Brewer stepped aside after 18 years of passionate, professional and progressive leadership. We thank him!

Mr. Lon Johnson has now taken the leadership position. As he stated at the recent convention, "Today we remake our party." "We renew our purpose and reclaim our great state." "Together, we are Michigan!"

Embracing his energy will not be difficult.

Almost in the same breath as this new leader arrived, we read of Senator Carl Levin choosing not to run for re-election in 2014! More change!

It will be exciting watching the Senator do the work of a Senator without having to focus on an upcoming election. I would bet that he gets a lot done.

Michigan Democrats will not simply sit back and hope for the best in electing a new Senator. We are already feeling the energy and have embraced this challenge.

As I recently read some notes in an MDP Issues paper on Values, Vision and Victory, I found the following paragraph:

"As Democrats, we are united by a set of shared values: Community, Equality, Fairness, and Opportunity. Our values can, and must, guide our path forward. Success will not be achieved by compromising our core values and central beliefs, but rather, by renewing our focus on them. The long term health of the Democratic movement depends on our ability to stand together with the strength of our convictions to make our public policies reflect these values."

We welcome everyone's ideas about the best ways to move our state forward, and we look forward to vigorous, passionate, and, most importantly, civil-debate.

Lynn Mason is Chairperson of the Ionia County Democratic Party. Contact her at masonapples@gmail.com or 616-204-1246.